* Get your shots, people…
Full disclosure, I had an indoor contact with Leader McConchie on Wednesday, so I will be tested Saturday and Sunday, and, heck, maybe Monday just to make sure.
…Adding… Statement from Leader McConchie…
Illinois Senate Republican Leader Dan McConchie has confirmed he is experiencing a break-through case of COVID-19. McConchie was vaccinated against the virus earlier this spring, and presently has very mild symptoms.
Additionally, contact tracing in accordance with public health guidelines was implemented immediately upon receiving the positive test result.
“I am very grateful to have been vaccinated and experiencing only mild symptoms,” McConchie said. “I encourage everyone reading these words to be vaccinated and protect themselves and their families agasint the virus. I encourage anyone with whom I have had the most brief contact in the last few days to be tested as a safeguard.”
I’m heading out soon to Springfield Clinic to be tested.
…Adding… I’m feeling great, but will be taking another test tomorrow and one more just before session starts to make extra sure…
* Sunday update…
Going in for one of those U of I saliva tests tomorrow.
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Pritzker signs sex education bills
Friday, Aug 20, 2021 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Friday news dump…
Gov. Pritzker Signs Two Bills Updating Sex Education Standards in K-12 Schools
Voluntary Standards to Emphasize Health, Safety and Inclusivity with Age-Appropriate Education
SPRINGFIELD —Building on efforts to modernize and strengthen Illinois’ education system, Governor JB Pritzker signed two bills today that update the state’s sex education standards in K-12 schools. The voluntary standards will emphasize health, safety, and inclusivity with age-appropriate resources. The standards do not need to be adopted in school districts that do not provide comprehensive sexual health education and parents may choose to opt their children out.
“Modernizing our sex education standards will help keep our children safe and ensure important lessons like consent and internet safety are taught in classrooms,”said Governor JB Pritzker. “By working together, we’ll continue to strengthen our education system and deliver the bright future our kids deserve.”
Senate Bill 818 brings Illinois’ sexual health education into the 21st century by adding new personal health and safety education standards in kindergarten through 5th grade, and making comprehensive health education more inclusive in grades 6 through 12. School districts do not have to adopt the voluntary standards unless they are teaching comprehensive sexual health education, and parents can choose to opt out.
Course material and instruction will help students learn about concepts like consent and will develop self-advocacy skills for effective communication with parents or guardians, health and social service professionals, other trusted adults, and peers about health and relationships.
The Illinois State Board of Education will develop and adopt these new voluntary learning standards in consultation with stakeholders, including parents, sexual health and violence prevention experts, health care providers, and education advocates. They will make these free resources available online no later than August 1, 2022.
SB 818 takes effect immediately.
“No student should feel stigmatized or excluded in the classroom,” said State Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago). “This legislation puts forth guidelines for an inclusive, culturally competent curriculum to keep students safe and healthy.”
“As a legislator, assuring that young people have all the tools to make healthy decisions has been a priority for me,” said State Representative Camille Lilly (D-Chicago). “Seven years ago when we fought to move sexual health education in Illinois beyond abstinence-only education, we knew there was more work to be done. Today marks another step in our efforts to ensure that young people receive a full toolbox of knowledge and skills to reduce harm and support overall health for their entire lives. I thank all those who have worked on the Keeping Youth Safe and Healthy Act as well as all those who voted to pass it. We know that the need of young people evolves, we must keep pace.”
House Bill 24 requires classes that teach sex education to include an age-appropriate discussion regarding sexting. The discussion will include:
• information regarding the possible consequences of sharing or forwarding sexually explicit or suggestive content
• the identification of situations in which bullying or harassment may result as a consequence of sexting
• the potential for long-term legal, social, academic, and other consequences from possessing sexual content,
• the importance of internet safety,
• the identification of people who could be of assistance on this issue to students
• and the development of strategies to resist peer pressure.
HB 24 takes effect immediately.
“Technology has grown a lot in the last decade, and our education needs to adapt as well,” said State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford). “This new law requires those schools that teach sex education to include a lesson on sexting, so students can learn about the real-life consequences of the virtual act.”
“With the evolution of technology and the increasing access for our children, it is vital that they understand the consequences of sexting. And now they will,” said State Representative Maurice West (D-Rockford). “I want to thank Governor Pritzker and my colleagues in the General Assembly for their support in passing this important legislation.”
…Adding… ACLU…
Earlier today, Governor JB Pritzker signed the Keeping Youth Safe and Healthy Act, which creates age-appropriate learning standards for public schools that decide to teach comprehensive personal health and safety education (grades K-5) and comprehensive sexual health education (grades 6-12).
“Years after changing Illinois law so that sexual health education is not simply abstinence-only, we are pleased that this new law will help students who have been stigmatized and or made invisible in these courses, such as LGBTQIA+ students and pregnant and parenting students, feel affirmed and seen in their classrooms,” said Khadine Bennett, Director of Advocacy and Intergovernmental Affairs for the ACLU of Illinois. “With the Governor’s signature today, students across Illinois can anticipate receiving information and education they need to support informed decision making to lead healthy lives.”
“This is good policy for all students in our state.”
…Adding… Schimpf…
Paul Schimpf, Republican candidate for Governor of Illinois, issued the following statement in response to Pritzker’s signing of SB818:
“By signing SB818, a bill that authorizes sex education as early as kindergarten, Governor Pritzker has shown an unwillingness to listen to the commonsense views of parents who want schools to focus on teaching academics, rather than social engineering. Now, more than ever, we need an Illinois Governor who understands that parents, not the government, should make decisions about their children’s education, healthcare, and maturation into adulthood. With his misguided action today, Governor Pritzker proves once again that he is too extreme to lead our state.”
* Rabine…
Gary Rabine, candidate for Governor, says the fact Governor JB Pritzker chose to sign the controversial sex education bill late on a Friday shows even he knows how insidious this legislation is for the children of this state.
“As Illinoisans across the state were gearing up for Family Day this weekend at the State Fair, our Governor signed legislation to effectively declare war on Illinois families,” Rabine said. “There is no justifiable reason to sexualize kindergartners. Signing this legislation is beyond irresponsible. Our children need to be protected and understand that their privacy is essential. Governor Pritzker should be ashamed of himself.”
The new (SB 818) would require schools to adopt the National Sex Education Standards beginning in kindergarten. Under the latest iteration of the standards, students starting in 6th grade will be taught how to define the meaning of oral and anal sex and third graders will be taught concepts such as masturbation. The bill passed without a single Republican vote.
“No wonder this atrocious bill was dropped late on a Friday afternoon,” Rabine said. “It is not the job of government to parent our children. It is not the job of government to teach third graders about masturbation. It is a sad day for our state.”
Rabine noted that there is an opt-out clause in the legislation that states:
“No student shall be required to take or participate in any class or course in comprehensive personal health and safety and comprehensive sexual health education. A student’s parent or guardian may opt the student out of comprehensive personal health and safety and comprehensive sexual health education by submitting the request in writing. Refusal to take or participate in such a course or program may not be a reason for disciplinary action, academic penalty, suspension, or expulsion or any other sanction of a student.”
“We need new leadership in Illinois, but until we have an election and vote out irresponsible leaders like JB Pritzker, parents must step up and take control of their children’s education,” Rabine said. “I urge every parent in Illinois to exercise this opt out option while it is still an option. My worry is that this bill is the trojan horse that eventually has no opt-out option, and our parents lose more freedoms over their children.”
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* Earlier today, Illinois State Police Assistant Deputy Director Robin Woolery announced significant progress in the agency’s forensic biology screening and DNA analysis…
The Illinois State Police Division of Forensic services has reduced the backlog. The biology backlog has decreased by 62 percent since its peak in March 2019. The number of pending sexual assault assignments that are more than six months old has gone from over 1,000 cases in January 2019 to 56. Today, the age of pending biology assignments has been reduced from 247 in May of 2019 to 69 days today. The biology section is completing 38 percent more assignments per month this year compared with 2019.
That backlog was egregious and it’s still not great, but at least things are now definitely moving in the right direction.
* Meanwhile, from a press release…
This week, Illinois State Police (ISP), in cooperation with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) began installing license plate reading cameras on Chicago area expressways.
Earlier this year, the ISP received a $12.5 million grant for purchase of specialized cameras to read the license plate numbers of vehicles moving in traffic. The installations will also include a communication system to backhaul the video images to a central location where additional software is used to query and match license plates to existing license plate and vehicle databases.
“This investment in expressway cameras further strengthens the Illinois State Police’s ability to hold violent offenders accountable and fulfill our mission to help all Illinois residents live safely,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Our roadways should be connections between communities, not crime scenes, and the ISP will offer the additional support necessary to local law enforcement in Chicago to protect traveling residents.”
“This is an important step toward expanding force-multiplying technology we have long needed to protect the public traveling on Chicago expressways,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. “These cameras will be an increasingly important tool for the ISP to collect the evidence we need to detect and deter crime on our interstates.”
As of Thursday, there were 157 reported shootings on Chicago area expressways in 2021.
The ISP continues to work with IDOT and CDOT to assist with the installation of more than 200 license plate reader cameras over the next year. The images from these cameras will not be used for petty offenses, such as speeding.
Increasingly, we’ve seen shootings throughout the Chicagoland expressways, and I am glad that we will now have the access to technology that will aid in the investigation of expressway shootings,” said State Senator Napoleon Harris, III (D-Harvey). “With these innovations, I hope many crimes are solved and brought to justice, so that the victims’ families may know peace.”
“Thank you, Governor Pritzker, for providing comfort and confidence to the victims of expressway shootings. I empathize with the family of Tamara Clayton, her sister Alma Hill, and other family members for enduring the time it took to erect these cameras,” said State Rep. Thaddeus M. Jones (D-Calumet City). “Governor Pritzker, Deputy Governor Christian Mitchell, ISP Director Kelly, and IDOT must be commended for their hard work in making sure that we provide ISP with the tools to capture the individuals who are shooting on our expressways. I would like to invite the public to join forces with ISP, and all law enforcement, and immediately report any person who intentionally targets any human being on our expressways, so we can stop these horrible shootings.”
The Tamara Clayton Expressway Camera Act (Expressway Camera Act) was signed into law on July 12, 2019 and became effective on Jan. 1, 2020. Ms. Clayton was on her way to work on Feb. 4, 2019 when she was tragically shot and killed while driving on Interstate 57 near Cicero Avenue. ISP investigators responded and the investigation into her death remains open and ongoing.
Following the state procurement process, Motorola was selected as the vendor for the camera system.
* The development comes too late to help solve this crime…
Two people arrested after allegedly speeding from the scene of a deadly shooting of a retired school teacher on the Dan Ryan have been released without charges.
There is no one else in custody for the murder of Denise Huguelet, an Illinois State Police spokesperson said Friday morning.
Huguelet, 67, was reportedly struck by crossfire coming from two other cars as she headed home from a White Sox game with her husband. The shooting happened around 10 p.m. Tuesday in the southbound lanes at 63rd Street.
…Adding… Press release…
The Illinois State Police (ISP) announce three upcoming Cadet Classes and encourage applicants from all of Illinois’ diverse communities to join the ranks of the ISP as we continue to build toward our next 100 years. Two of the new classes will be traditional classes while one will be a fast track class, providing certified police officers an opportunity to become Illinois State Troopers through participation in an accelerated training program
These new classes build on significant efforts to bolster the ranks of the Illinois State Police under the Pritzker Administration. Since 2019, Illinois has fielded 235 Troopers with three cadet classes – Cadet Class (CC) 129, CC 130, and CC 131 – and these three additional cadet classes will sustain the effort to rebuild the Illinois State Police.
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New laws
Friday, Aug 20, 2021 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Another Peters bill-signing press release…
A new law sponsored by State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago) expands the rights of victims and survivors of violent crimes to take unpaid time off work.
“Trauma can often be a life-changing experience, so victims and survivors of violent crimes and their families should be able to deal with that trauma on their own time without having to risk losing their jobs,” Peters said. “Otherwise, we’re creating a situation where a person might experience serious trauma and then suffer loss of livelihood as a result.”
House Bill 3582 extends the Victims Economic and Safety Act, which entitles victims and survivors and families of victims and survivors of domestic, sexual or gender violence to various amounts of unpaid leave from work to deal with the trauma caused by the experience. The new law extends the act to include victims of any other type of violent crime and provides protections against discriminatory acts from employers.
“Trauma should never beget more trauma,” Peters said.
The legislation received bipartisan support from both chambers of the General Assembly. Gov. JB Pritzker signed it into law Friday, and it is effective immediately.
His comms person better get a nice holiday bonus. [They accidentally sent the wrong release, so content has been changed.]
* WCIA…
Governor Pritzker signed a package of legislation to expand protection for immigrants and refugee communities in Illinois on Thursday.
Governor JB Pritzker signed House Bill 709 and House Bill 2790 into law. Officials said the new laws provide residents in Cook County with legal representation and launches information campaigns to help immigrants and refugees in Illinois understand their rights.
“The legislation I’m signing today builds on our nation-leading efforts to make Illinois a welcoming state for immigrants and refugees,” said Gov. Pritzker. “I’m proud that these critical protections advance our mission to give our immigrant neighbors the equitable representation that they deserve. Everyone should feel safe and secure in the place they call home and I remain committed to ensuring that our efforts to protect immigrants define what it means to live, work, and thrive in Illinois.”
* ISMS press release…
[Yesterday’s] action by Governor Pritzker to sign into law the Prior Authorization Reform Act (House Bill 711) is a major victory for reducing the bureaucratic barriers for Illinois patients to receive the medical treatment they need in a timely manner.
“The misuse of prior authorization has caused delays and denials to patients who may need potentially life-saving care. Our hope is that by enacting this law, patients will get the medical care they deserve and need without unnecessary delays,” said Regan Thomas, MD, President, Illinois State Medical Society (ISMS).
With bipartisan support in both chambers, the Illinois General Assembly unanimously approved ISMS’ top initiative during the Spring legislative session.
The law requires important, substantive changes to health insurer prior authorization practices. These require that:
• Health insurance companies respond to prior authorization requests within well-defined shortened and more immediate timelines for urgent and non-urgent care; no one will have to wait longer than one week for an answer from their health insurance company
• Insurers use medical professionals with relevant experience in the appropriate specialty to make prior authorization decisions
• Clear and definite time frames be in place for how long a prior authorization approval is valid for acute and chronic conditions to avoid disruptions in medical care for patients who are stable on a prescribed treatment
• Prior authorization requirements are transparent and follow evidence-based guidelines
ISMS has been leading this fight for reform along with many other healthcare and patient advocacy organizations as part of the Your Care Can’t Wait Coalition.
“The issues with prior authorization became so cumbersome that when we conducted a survey of Illinois physicians, more than 95% reported that this process had caused harm to their patients,” Dr. Thomas noted. “The physicians of Illinois appreciate that the Governor and the General Assembly have supported this legislation to make sure patients receive the medical care and treatment they deserve without delays.”
The new law takes effect Jan. 1, 2022. It applies to state-regulated insurance plans, including Medicaid. It does not apply to federally regulated ERISA plans or Medicare.
* Press release…
Governor JB Pritzker signed legislation today that creates a path for the compassionate release of medically incapacitated individuals by the Prison Review Board (PRB). House Bill 3665, also known as the Joe Coleman Medical Release Act, reflects the administration’s commitment to bringing about true, meaningful reform in the justice system.
“By signing the Joe Coleman Medical Release Act into law, it’s my intention to honor Joe Coleman’s legacy as a father, as a veteran, as a man who spent his days raising funds for charity from behind bars,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Thanks to the many advocates and General Assembly sponsors Senator John Connor and Representative Will Guzzardi, more families will get to say goodbye to their loved ones the way we all hope to get to when the time comes: together. This is another step toward the world, the Illinois, our families deserve. And I’m proud to turn it into law today.”
To provide dignity for all Illinois residents in their final days, HB 3665 allows for the discretionary early release of those who are medically incapacitated or terminally ill and serving time in an Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) facility.
“This bill creates policy that honors people’s humanity while at the same time prioritizing public safety,” said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. “I am proud that Illinois is leading with compassion and bringing a restorative justice lens to criminal justice policy making.”
…Adding… Press release…
Joined by state lawmakers and survivors of domestic violence, today Governor JB Pritzker signed seven pieces of legislation into law to address domestic violence and remove some of the obstacles survivors face.
“Every difficult choice and obstacle we eliminate for victims of domestic violence unlocks an opportunity for them to prioritize their safety,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “While our work to make Illinois a safer and more compassionate state for survivors is not done, I am heartened by the steps we have taken today.”
“As chair of the Illinois Council on Women and Girls, we have been focused on preventing gender-based violence and supporting survivors,” said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. “I am thankful that Governor Pritzker is prioritizing gender-based violence and his signature on these bills is just one more example of how we are working to make Illinois safer, more equitable, and empowering for women and girls.”
“A permanent Illinois Forensic Science Commission will drive improvements in the collection and analysis of forensic evidence,” said ISP Assistant Deputy Director of Division of Forensic Services Robin Woolery. “An Illinois Forensic Science Commission will be a forum for discussions between forensic science stakeholders to improve communication and coordination and ultimately empower them to monitor and address the important issues. By taking a strong systems-based approach, Illinois can further address the inefficiencies that contribute to backlogs.”
More at the link.
…Adding… Press release…
Building on efforts to fully support workers and their families, Governor JB Pritzker signed legislation that lowers employee contributions to the CTA’s Retiree Health Care Trust while maintaining 100% funding. The law allows workers to take home every hard-earned dollar possible, while protecting their full benefits and healthcare they earned upon retirement.
“This is progress made possible because this promise is properly funded. It’s proof that, with patience, determination and commitment, Illinois is a state where commitments to our retirees can be responsibly fulfilled,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “I’ve been proud to put Springfield back on the side of working families throughout the state. In partnership with the General Assembly, this is yet another step we’re taking to build back our state after years of neglecting our workers.” ”
…Adding… Press release…
Building on efforts to expand mental health services, Governor JB Pritzker today signed House Bill 1778 into law, helping to prevent teen suicide in high schools, colleges and universities by combatting mental health crises. The legislation was championed by students from Naperville Central, who formed the nonprofit Beyond Charity, to raise mental health awareness.
“As many students have spent more time isolated from friends, teachers, and even family, it is more important than ever they have resources to remind them they are not alone,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Thanks to the legislation I am signing today, next year, all middle school, high school, and public university student IDs will feature the numbers for crisis hotlines. Every student – regardless of their grade, school, and struggles – will carry an affirmation that mental health matters – with a life-saving resource in their back pocket.”
Named after the Naperville nonprofit, the Beyond Charity Law requires public high schools and institutions of higher education to add contact information for suicide prevention on school IDs. The legislation will ensure that students in sixth through 12th grade, as well as colleges and universities have contact information for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, the Crisis Text Line, and either the Safe2Help Illinois or a local suicide prevention hotline on their ID cards.
…Adding… Press release…
Governor JB Pritzker today signed legislation that establishes the Childhood Anaphylactic Policy, creating added safety measures for students with life-threatening allergies. House Bill 102 provides guidance to school districts and daycares regarding anaphylactic reactions, furthering the administration’s commitment to making Illinois’ educational systems safe and inclusive for all students.
“I’m glad that the Childhood Anaphylactic Policy will not only provide comfort to parents of children with severe allergies, but it will better equip daycares and K-12 schools with the expertise to help these kids,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “As a parent myself, I’m intent upon making Illinois the best state in the nation to raise a young family. Thanks to this bill, we’re locking in another piece of the puzzle today.”
In an effort to better help schools protect all students, House Bill 102 requires the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) to establish anaphylaxis policies and procedures for school districts and daycare settings.
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*** UPDATED x2 *** COVID-19 roundup
Friday, Aug 20, 2021 - Posted by Rich Miller
*** UPDATE 1 *** Press release…
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) today reported 24,682 new confirmed and probable cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Illinois, including 126 additional deaths since reporting last Friday, August 13, 2021. More than 77% of Illinois adults have received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose and more than 60% of Illinois adults are fully vaccinated, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Currently, IDPH is reporting a total of 1,482,369 cases, including 23,717 deaths, in 102 counties in Illinois. The age of cases ranges from younger than one to older than 100 years. Since reporting on Friday, August 13, 2021, laboratories have reported 462,916 specimens for a total of 28,072,697. As of last night, 2,000 individuals in Illinois were reported to be in the hospital with COVID-19. Of those, 468 patients were in the ICU and 234 patients with COVID-19 were on ventilators.
The preliminary seven-day statewide positivity for cases as a percent of total test from August 13-19, 2021 is 5.3%. The preliminary seven-day statewide test positivity from August 13-19, 2021 is 6.1%. However, regional 7-day test positivity averages range from 4.2% to 10.4%. http://www.dph.illinois.gov/regionmetrics?regionID=11.
A total of 13,745,822 vaccines have been administered in Illinois as of last midnight. The seven-day rolling average of vaccines administered daily is 33,564 doses. Since reporting on Friday, August 13, 2021, 234,949 doses were reported administered in Illinois.
*All data are provisional and will change. Additional information and COVID-19 data can be found at http://www.dph.illinois.gov/covid19.
Vaccination is the key to ending this pandemic. To find a COVID-19 vaccination location near you, go to www.vaccines.gov.
For perspective, the spring spike peaked at 2,288 hospitalizations on April 19.
*** UPDATE 2 *** I know Nancy Werden and she’s a conscientious person who did the right things and stuff still went wrong…
Staunton, Illinois schools shut down after one week because of COVID-19 spread
After opening for one week of classes, schools in Staunton, Illinois, moved to virtual learning Thursday due to an increase in cases of COVID-19, district officials said.
The first day of school in the Macoupin County district was Aug. 11.
Staunton schools will reopen Aug. 30 for anyone not under a quarantine order, reads a message from Nancy Werden, interim superintendent.
Gonna be rough for a while. Get your shots, people.
…Adding… This guy, man…
* Mary Ann Ahern peppered the governor with mask mandate questions at this morning’s media availability…
MAA: Where do you stand on a statewide mask mandate as the city of Chicago puts theirs in place today? Certainly there are a high number of counties with a high transmission.
JBP: Well, as you know, I have not been reticent to act when I think it’s appropriate to do so on mitigations. And we’re always considering every day what next we need to do. I applaud the city of Chicago and taking proactive efforts here. I encourage other local governments, whether they be cities or townships or counties, to also take proactive steps and we will look at the state level, whether that’s an appropriate thing at some moment. And again, every day I’m looking at these numbers and talking to Dr. Ezike.
MAA: But what else would it take? It’s almost [garbled] political governor, now.
JBP: No, you would like to say that. This is not political. This is every day, [crosstalk]. As you know, listen, if it was political, we wouldn’t have any mitigations. It would be much easier not to have mitigations. [Crosstalk] The truth, the truth of the matter is that I have acted, every time I have believed and the doctors have advised me that we need to put mitigations in place, we have done it. And so I’m not reticent to do that. We know now that we have vaccines available, and masks work. People should follow the science. If you wear a mask and you get vaccinated, you’re pretty safe. And I hope that everybody will do that and I will take action, if we see that the numbers can move up in an exponential fashion, which they’re not there, But in an exponential fashion, that’s something that we’ll look very closely at. And again, I talk every day or text or have communication with Dr. Ezike or with her senior staff to try to determine what we need to do on any given day. Also to be helpful, I’ll just add this to the hospitals, especially in Southern Illinois. And in areas where there are a limited number of ICU beds that are yet still available, how we can provide more staffing, how we can provide support for those hospitals. […]
MAA: If you can’t give us the metric on the masks, it makes folks think, wow, the city of Chicago has to wear a mask but boy if you go out to, you know, I don’t know, pick a town in the suburbs, you don’t have to.
JBP: It’s always been the case, Mary Ann that local communities and cities have decisions that they can make that are more stringent on mitigations than what the state, that’s always been the case. And there have been moments throughout the last year and a half that you’ve seen, not just the city of Chicago, but other places that have taken proactive actions that they believe would work in their communities. So I encourage those local community leaders to do so. Indeed, I have celebrated those people throughout the last year and a half, because very few, frankly, local leaders, very few elected leaders have been willing to stand up and make tough decisions for their communities. I mean, it’s about time for some of them, but I want to congratulate folks who actually already do that.
Please pardon all transcription errors.
…Adding… MAA’s story…
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Friday declined to give a specific metric at which the state might impose another indoor masking mandate, leaving the door open for further mitigations but deferring to local authorities to take action, even as he called the current COVID-19 surge fueled by the delta variant a “very dangerous moment.”
* Crain’s…
The Archdiocese of Chicago this week announced that all employees and clergy will be required to get vaccinated against COVID-19. While people will have an opportunity to request a medical exemption, religious objections will not be considered.
The Archdiocese of Chicago and its agencies, including Catholic Charities and Misericordia, join a growing list of organizations mandating COVID-19 shots for workers and patrons as the delta variant surges.
“We have made this decision convinced that this is the best way to stop the spread of this deadly illness,” Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, archbishop of Chicago, said in a Thursday email to clergy and staff. “Following the lead of Pope Francis, we encourage everyone to be vaccinated as an act of charity. … Religious exemptions to vaccination cannot be supported by Catholic teaching and I have instructed our pastors not to grant them.” [Emphasis added.]
Cupich claims that more than 90 percent of staff and clergy are already vaccinated.
* More…
* Editorial: Americans need a better vaccination ID than a flimsy piece of paper
* CTU negotiations with CPS over COVID-19 precautions drag with start of school year days away
* Why the NEA Refuses to Support Vaccine Mandates
* Three private schools in the suburbs punished for defiance on masks
* Some McHenry County families have started home schooling because of COVID-19 mask mandate
* Long-term care facilities are using the pandemic as a shield, even in lawsuits unrelated to covid-19
* COVID-19 in Southern Illinois: Additional deaths reported in Johnson, Massac, and Pulaski Counties on Thursday
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* A House Democratic spokesperson just confirmed to me that the chamber is returning for session on Tuesday, August 31. A one-day special session is scheduled so far. More in a bit.
…Adding… Email to members from Speaker Chris Welch’s chief of staff Tiffany Moy…
Hi, Members:
The Speaker and Senate President are convening a special session on Tuesday, August 31 at 12 pm, for the purpose of considering legislative measures related to the legislative redistricting plan, pursuant to a Joint Proclamation that will be filed shortly.
We will also have a Caucus meeting on Monday. I will follow up with further details including the exact time later this afternoon.
Thank you!
Tiffany
*** UPDATE *** Press release…
House Speaker and Senate President Statements on Return for Special Session
The Speaker and Senate President are convening a special session on Tuesday, August 31 at 12 pm, for the purpose of considering legislative measures related to the legislative redistricting plan, pursuant to a Joint Proclamation.
“Following the recent release of 2020 census data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the House will be returning for a one-day special session on August 31 to amend the legislative map enacted in June to incorporate the latest census data,” said House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch. “As we have said since the beginning of this process, we want to make sure every voice is heard and represented. We invite the public to participate at the open hearings we will be holding prior to the return of the legislature.”
“Our goal has always been to implement a map that is fair and represents the diversity of the population of Illinois,” said Senate President Don Harmon. “With census data now available, we will take any necessary legislative action with that same goal in mind.”
Information on the legislative map can be found at ilhousedems.com/redistricting. Details on the public hearings will be forthcoming.
…Adding… The proclamation is here. The Senate is also working on the climate/energy bill, but they can adjourn to regular session to deal with that. Members, however, won’t receive their extra travel stipend for regular session if this goes beyond one day.
…Adding… August 31 happens to be Republican Day at the DuQuoin State Fair.
…Adding… I wouldn’t bet too much money on this happening since special session was announced…
Following the publication of the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2020 census data last week, which confirmed Illinois Democrats’ map included district populations three times the maximum range allowed by law, Senate Republican Leader Dan McConchie (R-Hawthorn Woods) and House Republican Leader Jim Durkin (R-Western Springs) filed a motion for summary judgment in federal court.
“This was quite possibly the most secretive, non-transparent process in the history of Springfield politics,” said McConchie. “The proclamation for a special session is admission that the Democrats’ enacted map was unconstitutional. Instead of ensuring the protection of Illinoisans’ voting rights, Governor Pritzker and his Democratic insiders drafted an unconstitutional map that sought to ensure their absolute power for another decade. With the data on the people’s side, we are confident the court will see through the Democrats’ charade and agree with our motion to void this map.”
The motion for summary judgment outlines that the facts and evidence presented in the case are so overwhelming that no real dispute still exists and requests an immediate ruling because a trial is no longer necessary to determine the case.
“A motion for summary judgment is filed when there is no longer a dispute over the law and the facts,” Durkin said. “The release of the Census data is game-set-match against the Illinois Democrats. Now knowing that their original map is unconstitutional, the Democrats are now scrambling to draw a new backroom map on short notice. There is no way to ‘put the toothpaste back into the tube’ as discussed in our summary judgment motion.”
If the motion is granted by the court, the current plan, HB 2777, will be declared unconstitutional and void without a lengthy trial and provide an opportunity for the process to go to a bipartisan commission.
And I also wouldn’t bet on a bipartisan commission. Also, the Democrats were scheduled to file a motion to dismiss.
…Adding… I meant to post this Sun-Times article and forgot…
The number of home solar panel installations in Illinois has plummeted as state consumer incentives dried up amid a standoff in Springfield that’s seen lawmakers unable to agree on major energy legislation.
After a state incentive program ran out of money late last year, just 313 small rooftop solar projects were completed statewide in the three-month period ending June 30, compared with 2,908 a year earlier, Illinois Power Agency records show. Those numbers account for most of the rooftop solar projects done in Illinois.
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* You’d think they’d have better things to do. Here’s Mark Maxwell…
State investigators who grant and revoke medical licenses have opened an investigation into a sports doctor at Carle Hospital because of his personal stance opposing a mask mandate in schools, according to emails he says he received from the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR).
Dr. Jeremy Henrichs, a team physician for the University of Illinois’ Athletic Department, is also an elected member of the Mahomet-Seymour school board. Despite his opposition to mandatory mask rules in classrooms, the school district will still enforce the Governor’s new statewide school mask mandate and require all students to wear masks in class, according to documents posted on its website.
IDFPR regulates medical professionals, architects, cosmetologists, and a number of other industries in which workers are required to obtain a license to practice in Illinois. The Pritzker administration said the investigation was merely a matter of “due diligence” after someone filed a complaint, and offered assurances that the outcome of the investigation would not lead to the doctor losing his license.
“The Pritzker administration has not and will not seek disciplinary action against the professional licenses of individuals who disagree with the mask mandate,” Governor Pritzker’s spokeswoman Jordan Abudayyeh said. […]
While Pritzker’s office said state investigators at IDFPR are required to open investigations whenever they receive a complaint about a medical professional, they did not explain why those investigations might also seek to gather information about a doctor’s personal views for their votes as public officials.
* Check out this ridiculous demand and subsequent explanation from a state medical investigator…
Like it says in the story, the Mahomet-Seymour school board didn’t even vote to follow the mask mandate. The district is doing the responsible thing and accepting the governor’s mandate.
The Pritzker administration has been pretty good so far at avoiding creating any martyrs. Until now, that is. Whoever is responsible for this, including anyone who signed off on that ridiculous demand, needs to be disciplined to the fullest extent possible.
Dr. Henrichs is owed an official apology.
*** UPDATE 1 *** Sen. Chapin Rose has filed a formal complaint with Illinois’ Executive Inspector General. Click here. Among other things, he alleges possible violations of two criminal statutes…
Threatening Public Officials. 720 ILCS 5/12-9: “(a) A person commits threatening a public official or human service provider when: (1) that person knowingly delivers or conveys, directly or indirectly, to a public official or human service provider by any means a communication: … (ii) containing a threat that would place the public official or human service provider or a member of his or her immediate family in reasonable apprehension that damage will occur to property in the custody, care, or control of the public official or his or her immediate family; ….”
Intimidation. 720 ILCS 5/12-6): (a) A person commits intimidation when, with intent to cause another to perform or to omit the performance of any act, he or she communicates to another, directly or indirectly by any means, a threat to perform without lawful authority any of the following acts … (6) [t]ake action as a public official against anyone or anything, or withhold official action, or cause such action or withholding … .”
*** UPDATE 2 *** Text from Sen. Rose…
Fact: in the only vote that was taken on the matter (which was prior to the gov’s edict), Dr Henrichs actually voted to exceed the then current CDC guidelines (which did not require masking, only “recommended”) by requiring masks when community spread was required. Indeed, under the guidelines that Dr. Henrichs actually voted for, Mahomet schools would be masked today anyway. There has been no vote to date on the governor’s mandate- and according to the supt., there will not be, because their board attorney advised them they don’t have the authority to supersede the governor. It is important that people not label Dr. Henrichs as “anti-mask.” That simply isn’t true based on the only vote that exists on the record. But yet, he is still being persecuted by the Pritzker Administration anyway. This is simple: the Governor needs to back off, apologize, make sure that this is not happening to anyone else, and let everyone move on. He has had 6 days now to do that and he hasn’t. At what point do you conclude that in the absence of action to stop this, it is actually willing consent? Silent complicity speaks volumes.
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* US Rep. Rodney Davis talked to Mary Ann Ahern about the governor’s race…
MAA: As new Illinois maps are redrawn after the 2020 Census. Census, Congressman Davis from downstate Taylorville, he wants to see what his district will look like. Already though he is more vocal in his criticism of Governor Pritzker.
RD: I’m excited about where 2022 is going to be for Republicans. … Once we see what the battlefield looks like. I’ve always been someone to help try to build the coalition’s that would lead us to victory.
[Pritzker TV ad excerpt]
RD: Well, he’s certainly going to need to run ads and he’s going to have to spend hundreds of millions more because he knows that he’s in terrible reelection shape. We’re going to have a Republican governor. […]
MAA: What will it take for a Republican to win in a blue state?
RD: I’m not a label person because, frankly. Somebody may think I’m too conservative and somebody might think I’m too moderate. I’m just me.
Davis said he’s been vaccinated, but opposes vax and mask mandates.
* Subscribers know the back story to this. From DPI…
In an overwhelming vote, members of the Democratic State Central Committee today affirmed Democratic Party of Illinois (DPI) Chair Robin Kelly’s proposed leadership structure for the state party.
“My vision as chair of the Democratic Party of Illinois is to bring more voices into every aspect of the party, and today’s vote puts us on a path to doing just that,” Kelly said. “I’m excited we can fully move ahead in strengthening and broadening our party across the state and electing more Democrats up and down the ballot.”
Today, members of Democratic State Central Committee (DSCC) voted to create the Building Leadership, Unity, and Equity (BLUE) Illinois Committee, open access to the party’s advisory committees to non-DSCC members, and degender the party’s bylaws.
“The votes taken today represent a new day for the Democratic Party of Illinois,” DPI Executive Director Abby Witt said. “Whether it’s the BLUE Committee, opening other committees to new and experienced voices outside of our official structure, or making sure our rules are as inclusive as possible, the message from our Chair and our members is aligned and clear: this is a party for everyone. Illinois Democrats, welcome home.”
The BLUE Committee, in compliance with the affirmative advisory opinion from the FEC last month, is made up entirely of non-federal office holders not appointed by the chair, and will be dedicated to managing the party’s non-federal account. Voting members of the BLUE Committee are State Central Committee members Bill Houlihan, Carol Ronen, and Ald. Silvana Tabares.
“The majorities we hold as Democrats are going to be tested this cycle, and I’m excited to join Carol and Silvana in this new effort to keep Illinois blue in 2022 and beyond,” Houlihan said. “The BLUE Committee has an important role to play in building an enthusiastic coalition of Democrats across Illinois.”
“2022 is a pivotal redistricting year, and all of our local candidates will run in newly drawn districts,” Ronen said. “Our goal is to grow our majorities in the general assembly and make sure Democrats win the Illinois Supreme Court races. The BLUE committee will help to bring the necessary resources to win these races and ensure Democratic values prevail. I’m honored to be part of this effort.”
“The best way to continue to grow our party, attract voters and win elections is by expanding our statewide coalition of Democrats,” Tabares said. “I’m proud to be a part of a new way the party will achieve that.”
Not one Black person is on that BLUE Committee.
* This did not happen today…
Watch for the news this morning at the County Chairs’ Brunch on the Crowne Plaza grounds in Springfield. More than 800 Democrats will be in attendance and 400 more will view online, according to McHenry County Democratic Party Chair Kristina Zahorik.
Sen. Dick Durbin is expected to announce that Nikki Budzinski will challenge Republican Rep. Rodney Davis in the 13th Congressional District.
Budzinski recently left the Biden administration last month, where she was chief of staff in the Office of Management & Budget. Before that she worked for Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s administration. […]
Durbin talked about Budzinski’s move Tuesday during a private party in Springfield leading up to today’s festivities. […]
What’s curious: Durbin specifically said Budzinski would run against Davis in the 13th District, which suggests the veteran Republican congressman will be safe in the remap. If that’s true, then one of the four other Republican representatives would be edged out as lawmakers redraw congressional districts to align with the state’s population decline.
There was never any plan to make this announcement, I was told early this morning. Not to mention that we have no idea yet what Davis’ new district will look like. Also, nice job by Durbin of stepping on Nikki’s eventual announcement. /s
*** UPDATE *** The Tribune ran a story last year on Supreme Court Justice Tom Kilbride’s retention bid…
Billionaire conservatives, state GOP leaders and a dark money group are blanketing voters’ mailboxes with full-color attack ads that portray the justice as a Madigan puppet, citing the speaker’s large campaign contributions to Kilbride’s election efforts dating back to 2000. […]
James Nowlan, a former GOP lawmaker who chairs the anti-Kilbride committee Citizens for Judicial Fairness, asks political audiences in towns such as Carthage, Monmouth and Utica if they ever wished they could vote against Madigan. […]
A $200,000 donation from a dark-money group called the Judicial Fairness Project gave the anti-Kilbride forces a jump-start. The group’s registered agent is attorney John Fogarty, the Chicago-based general counsel for the Illinois Republican Party. Fogarty declined to identify the donors.
Paperwork filed with the secretary of state showed the group’s board of directors includes two members of the Republican state central committee and the former head of the Illinois Republican County Chairmen’s Association. Listed as the incorporator was Nick Klitzing, a former state GOP executive director. [Emphasis added.]
* I mention this because I just got an email from the Judicial Fairness Project…
Friend,
You were recently emailed about a petition to clean up Illinois’ courts.
Will you take a moment to add your name to DEMAND that we clean up Illinois’s famously corrupt justice system?
ADD YOUR NAME – 30-SECOND PETITION SIGNUP
We all know that Illinois has a reputation for corruption and crime. It goes all the way to the top, unfortunately – Illinois currently has a 4-3 partisan majority on the Supreme Court, and next year’s election threatens to shake up the balance of power in our state…
So the Legislature and Governor Pritzker jammed through a new, hand-drawn judicial map so they could protect themselves!!
That’s not all.
Last year, an incredible and shocking $10 million was spent on the retention race for the Supreme Court, and there’s much more coming next year with more judgeships on the ballot.
What will YOU chip in to bring fairness back to our courts – $10 million of your money??
How about just $10?
How about just $20?
Other amount
Money. Hand-Drawn Judge Protection Maps. Corruption in the courts.
We deserve better. Will you join us?
…Adding… Also…
* Related…
* Democratic priorities benefiting working families to be highlighted at Governor’s Day rally
* Illinois State Fair 2021 set to kickoff political primary season: For Democrats, the big political race will be among the four declared candidates vying to replace Jesse White, who is not running for another term as Secretary of State.
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